Reese, my 3 ½ year old long haired chihuahua, seems to be able to detect immediately if the clothes I'm putting on her are adding to or taking away from her “cool” factor. You see, she makes a big deal out of her tough girl exterior, and pink, while MY favorite on her, just isn't appropriate when she's in an urban terrorist mood!

Oh sure, I've tried to go for the pampered, upscale rhinestones and frilly fur collars look, but she just won't go for it. Her favorite chihuahua clothes are classy hoodies that keep her warm, don't restrict her movement, and display more of the tom girl look. Oranges and greens are her favorite colors oddly enough.

My Reese aside, how do you find the best quality chihuahua clothes for your little bundle of love? First lets talk about collars and harnesses.

Collars are very popular, you can add some nice bling to them, and they are very easy to take on and off when its bath time or time for a walk. Collars are best around the house and for short walks in safe areas. If you like to walk your Chi a lot, though, I would seriously recommend a good harness. Walking your Chi in a harness has many benefits. First they don't chafe the way that a collar can. And if your Chi likes to prove her REAL size anytime that big dog shows its face, this is important. Secondly, if your chihuahua should bite off more than she can chew and that pit bull just won't learn what's good for it, you can actually haul her back in and lift her by the harness safely (for the pit bull's safety obviously!). Doing this with a collar is extremely dangerous and can kill her. Quick escape is important for the little ones.

Many chihuahua clothes come with a harness incorporated into them so that you can just attach the leash to a small hook on the back and go. Usually these are coats and outerwear more appropriate to the colder months of the year. They include some step-through holes for the front legs and something like velcro to secure the jacket harness around your little one. Look for chihuahua clothes harnesses that stay securely around your loved one even if you have to haul her up to you quickly. Nothing is worse when she is in danger then having a harness jacket that rips off leaving you holding the leash but not your dog!

Your Chi deserves the best just like you do!

My favorite place to shop for chihuahua clothes:

Jake's Dog House -Jake's has a nice, affordable selection of Chihuahua clothes including tanks, sweaters, tees, raincoats, jackets, eyewear, footwear, bandanas, NFL and NBA clothes, and more!

For the length of the clothes, you will want to measure from the base of the neck between the shoulders to the base of the tail. For the girth, measure around the widest part of the chest. I've noticed buying chihuahua clothes that even though my little one isn't over weight, often the length is correct but the girth is too small. The next biggest size usually doesn't work out. If you are purchasing chihuahua clothes on the internet, ask for the girth measurements of the clothes as well as the length so that you can be sure of a good fit. On the other had, if the girth is too much larger than your little one, she will wiggle out or tie herself up in her clothing in no time.

Wrong girth size has been my biggest complaint with buying chihuahua clothes online, so to avoid the hassle of returns, its best to inquire ahead of time. If the company can't answer your questions its usually best to skip them unless you are willing to go through getting something returned or exchanged and the extra shipping costs involved.